Worship

Prayer is a language that each of us speaks and hears in a different way. When we pray together, we try to find meaning within the chorus of diverse voices. With their engaging sermons and stimulating teachings, our Clergy show us how the lessons from the past are relevant to our lives today. 

Music 

Throughout the history of Ohef Sholom Temple, music has occupied a respected and honored place both in worship services and in special presentations. Examples include, the dedication service of the sanctuary in the early 20th century which was celebrated with music; the congregation’s 150th anniversary in 1994 which was celebrated by the world premiere of a commissioned work by the renowned composer Richard Danielpour and we have had special musical programs such as Krystalnacht, “From Classics to Cantorial and a Touch of Broadway”, Anim Zemirot – an enjoyable concert of jewish Choral Music, etc. Indeed, musical excellence has long been associated with Ohef Sholom Temple.

Members of the congregation are actively involved in maintaining our musical traditions. The Temple Quartet and the Adult Choir, conducted by Music Director Charles Woodward, are an integral part of our High Holy Days services with inspiring music at Selichot, Rosh Hashanah, Kol Nidre and Yom Kippur. Usually there is a guest musician on the violin (know it is something else) and the harp. The choir also participate at Friday night Shabbat services throughout the year. 

Members are welcome to join the choir – please contact Chuck Woodward for the adult choir.

Ohef Sholom hosts musical events by musicians of national and international renown. Recent concerts have included performances by conductor JoAnn Falletta and the Virginia Symphony, the Virginia Opera, the Virginia Arts Festival, pianist André-Michel Schub, clarinetist David Shiffrin, violinist Ani Kavafian, violist Amadi Hummings, the Miami String Quartet, the Feldman Chamber Music Society and Young Audiences of Virginia.